NORTH Ballarat City and Darley have been hit by the tribunal after a fiery Ballarat Football League encounter three weeks ago.

North City star Derick Micallef and Darley duo Jake Ancrum and Drew Edwards were all suspended by the AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal on Thursday night, following an independent investigation requested by both clubs.

Micallef has been hit with a one-match suspension, Ancrum received three matches and Edwards a two-match ban.

All faced the charge of “unbecoming conduct” that spawned from two incidents in round six.

Micallef and Ancrum were involved in a tussle in North City’s forward line in the third quarter of the match, in which Micallef sustained a broken nose.

The tribunal found both players had struck each other and Ancrum had acted in retaliation in striking Micallef.

The North City star required surgery on the broken nose and missed one match of football, before returning last week against Melton.

Ancrum, a promising teenage defender who represented the BFL in the under-18 interleague clash with Goulburn Valley, will miss matches against East Point, Lake Wendouree and Redan.

North City president Peter Carey said although he felt Micallef had been unfairly treated, it was unlikely the club would appeal the tribunal decision.

“It’s really disappointing. In reality, it means he will miss two games from this because he missed the one week with the broken nose,” Carey said.

Edwards will miss two weeks after becoming involved in an incident with North Ballarat City officials.

Edwards was sent off the ground in the final quarter and approached the North City supporters on the other side of the fence.

North City faces Melton South this week, while Darley meets East Point in a crucial match.